There are a lot of young, up-and-coming guards in the NBA that will be facing off for years to come. We were lucky enough to see one of those matchups twice this week when the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers faced off in a back-to-back series.
For the 76ers it has been Tyrese Maxey taking the basketball world by storm this season. He has seen his role change with James Harden no longer on the roster, taking over more of a ball-handling and playmaking role. He has responded as well as the team could have hoped for, as he is having the best season of his career.
It could not have some at a better time for Maxey, who did not work out a long-term extension with Philadelphia before the season. As a result, he will be a restricted free agent in 2024, looking to cash in on a lucrative long-term deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers Updates
That long-term deal is something Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers secured this offseason. He was one of four players to sign a max rookie-scale extension this offseason along with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and Desmond Bane.
Haliburton earned the investment from the Pacers by making his first All-Star game last season. He is proving it to be a smart deal as he has taken his game to another level this season, currently leading the NBA with 12.5 assists per game.
Maxey and Haliburton both played well in their recent matchups, with the team winning once. Haliburton put together a record-setting performance in the games, leading to some kind words from his counterpart.
“He’s great honestly, man. What he does for that team, the way he keeps the energy up, the way he fights as far as getting the ball and giving his teammates the ball,” Maxey said following Tuesday’s game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers Updates
Haliburton has earned that praise from his opponents. In the two games against the 76ers, he recorded back-to-back games of 25+ points, 15+ assists and zero turnovers, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach those marks.
In the victory on Tuesday night, he scored 33 points with seven 3-pointers to go along with seven rebounds and 15 assists. Again, he made NBA history, becoming the first player to score 30+ points with 5+ rebounds, 15+ assists and 5+ 3-pointers along with the zero turnovers.
All Maxey, who was matched up with him throughout the night, could applaud his performance. Haliburton has been a driving force in the Pacers having the No. 1 rated offense in the NBA and they are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
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